Any skincare devotee worth their salt knows that alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are of paramount importance to a solid complexion regimen. In case you need a refresher, the latter category has a population of roughly one: salicylic acid. (Though technically, trethocanic acid and a few other rarely-used acids are defined as BHAs by the FDA.) Easy enough. AHAs, on the other hand, are a bit more varied.
“First of all, [AHAs] can be derived from seemingly countless sources — including sugar cane, fruit, and milk sugars — notes Gabrielle Garritano, a physician assistant and founder of NYC’s JECTTM. “Molecules in the AHA family vary in size,” she adds. “[The size of the molecule can] determine skin penetration, strength, and ultimately results.”
One thing they all have in common: AHAs help expedite cell turnover (which slows down as we get older). By sloughing off dead cells from the superficial layer of skin, we reveal healthy cells and stimulate new growth. That means fewer fine lines, reduced hyperpigmentation, and a complexion that’s fresh and radiant.
“Even if you don’t have any visible concerns you want to correct, an AHA can help keep your skin cells cycling through at an optimal rate,” says Garritano. “Also, patients who are blemish prone can incorporate AHAs as a great way of helping reduce blemishes and prevent future breakouts.” Though salicylic acid (BHA) is the typical choice for those with acneic skin types, AHAs can still help these complexions a great deal: cell buildup (with bacteria trapped underneath) is a common source of breakouts.
Below, four of the best AHAs and what they can do for your skin. Plus, we’ve thrown you a product recommendation for each.
Sunday Riley Good Genes™ All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
- Multi-tasking, targeted lactic acid treatment rapidly exfoliates and boosts naturally youthful radiance, while visibly reducing the look of lines, wrinkles and dark spots.
- High potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and reveal smoother, clearer skin.
The AHA: Lactic Acid
Why your skin loves it: “Lactic acid is good for general exfoliation and skin [brightening],” says Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of NYC’s Mariwalla DermatologyTM. “It is more gentle than glycolic acid and, interestingly, continued use of lactic acid has actually been shown to increase skin firmness and thickness.” Incidentally, Cleopatra was said to have used lactic acid derived from sour milk in her beauty ritual, Mariwalla notes.
The product pick: Sunday Riley® Good GenesTM All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment ($105) delivers a potent dose of purified lactic acid for skin that glows pretty much the second you apply.
PeterThomasRoth 20% Complex Glycolic Solutions Jumbo Peel Swab
- A deep pore clearing gel to treat and control acne blemishes
- Combines AHA with BHA to create synergistic action
The AHA: Glycolic Acid
Why your skin loves it: “Glycolic acid, which [can be] derived from fruits, is much more than an anti-aging product,” says Dr. Parvaneh Rafaeloff, a cosmetic surgeon and the medical director of Los Angeles’s Le JolieTM Medi Spa. “It helps lighten discolorations and can even help skin that’s prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne by keeping pores clear of dead skin that tends to clog them.”
The product pick: Dr. Mariwalla’s favorite way to get glycolic acid is from a peel. You can have a more aggressive peel applied at a salon or opt for a less potent version at home. Try the PeterThomasRoth® 20% Complex Glycolic Solutions Jumbo Peel Swab ($48), which pairs a high concentration of this powerful ingredient with brightening niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
- EXFOLIANT & PEEL SOLUTION-Our Mandelic acid alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) 10% with Salicylic Acid is a skin-perfecting facial serum solution that is used to exfoliate the surface of the skin. To target the looks of fine lines, wrinkles, blackheads, enlarged pores .
- Our Mandelic acid 10% Exfoliant Serum with Salicylic acid, jojoba, tea tree oil can help minimize the look of pigmentation and reduce age spots, and with consistent use can increase skin’s firmness.
The AHA: Mandelic Acid
Why your skin loves it: Mandelic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from bitter almonds. Because it has the largest molecules of all the AHAs, it’s more tolerable on the skin, says Garritano. “The ideal candidate is someone looking for anti-inflammatory benefits with no downtime,” she notes. “It’s great for redness, rosacea, and breakouts.”
The product pick: The Ordinary® just launched its Mandelic Acid 10% + HA ($15), which exfoliates the skin gently while also plumping it up with hyaluronic acid. If you’d prefer something stronger, Garritano recommends the professional Glytone® Mandelic Acid Peel, which is done in-office.
HERBIVORE Prism Exfoliating Mask
- Prism is a jelly-textured, concentrated blend of plant-based AHA‚ and Willow Bark-based BHA in an exfoliating weekly facial that naturally helps transform skin from dull to radiant and glowing in as little as one use
- powered by a concentrate of exfoliating and softening plant-based Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric, and Malic AHAs
The AHA: Malic Acid
Why your skin loves it: Malic acid is derived from apples, and also has larger molecules than the majority of the other AHAs on this list. This means it doesn’t penetrate the skin quite as deeply, making it gentler on sensitive skin. For that reason, it’s not considered quite as effective of an exfoliator compared to glycolic, lactic, and mandelic, so you’ll often see malic acid as a complementary AHA or as the main ingredient in mild exfoliating products. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying — it also serves as an antioxidant to help shield the skin from free radical damage.
The product pick: HERBIVORE Prism Exfoliating Mask ($58) combines malic acid with lactic and glycolic for an ultra-hydrating, brightening elixir that you can apply as part of your makeup prep or before bed to wake up extra radiant.